Find a Guitar Teacher | What You Must Know

Last update 5/2/2024

If you are new to the guitar or have been playing for a while, you would like to find a guitar teacher to improve your playing. We have you covered. The following information will help you choose the right guitar tutor from the following two options: online or in-person.

Find a Guitar Teacher

Learning to play the guitar is not easy, especially as a beginner. You may have asked yourself, do I need a guitar teacher? No, not necessarily; however, we do recommend that you seek out a qualified guitar tutor regardless for many reasons.

Why do you need a guitar teacher?

An experienced guitar teacher can make your guitar learning journey much more manageable. A good guitar teacher will monitor your progress and make the learning journey more pleasurable. Furthermore, by opting for an experienced guitar tutor, you will learn in much less time than if you choose to learn independently.

What about cost

As with almost any professional service, learning the guitar has a cost. Time is money, and life is short; depending on your playing goals, playing a few chords for family and friends can be achieved relatively quickly. Be aware learning to play the guitars will take some time. How long may it be measured in years if your goal is to be an intermediate or advanced player?

Learning the guitar in person or online

You may be wondering, should I seek out a teacher in my local area, or should I learn online? Don’t worry; we will explain. Yeah, with so many options, we understand why you might be confused about the best way forward in the future. Let’s look at this step by step by considering all the options and pros and cons.

Your playing goals

First things first, you will need to know what your playing goals are.

Perhaps you are not quite sure; that’s OK. However, we think you have to think about what you want from playing the guitar.

E.g., a few cowboy chords for a singalong with family or friends, or much more, perhaps?

Try to envisage the level of playing skills you want to achieve. Perhaps you dream about playing in the style of a famous guitar player.

That’s a good thing, as it’s a goal. Having a goal will help you and your guitar teacher plan a learning path, hopefully realizing that goal in time.

Think of it as a roadmap because that’s what it is.

Playing goals may change.

Yes, of course, your goals may change. It can happen; either way, your enthusiasm may diminish, or you might not stick with it. On a more positive note, you may fall in love with the instrument to a level where it becomes a passion; it happens.

Consider the time you have to play.

Yeah, we are stating that you need time to play the guitar. Learning to play and regular practice takes time. Time is a valuable asset; you won’t want to waste it. Is your goal to learn to play and practice efficiently? Do you want the quickest path to playing the guitar in the manner you want?

“People have used my songs and guitar style to teach guitar for a long time.” James Taylor

A professional and experienced teacher will help you achieve your playing skills in the shortest possible time. However, it’s essential to remember that “a good guitar player may not necessarily be a good guitar teacher.”

How to find a good guitar teacher

If you haven’t done so already, make a mental note of what we have said, or write them down. Regardless of which method you choose to learn to play the guitar, be precise in your mind about what you would like to achieve.

The importance of a good guitar teacher

Finding a great guitar teacher is vital. A good teacher will implement a plan to suit your guitar-playing goals. A good teacher will construct a program to help you achieve your guitar-playing goals quickly.

What about guitar practice?

Now you knew this was coming. If you desire to play the guitar, you must practice. Here’s the thing that you MUST get right: it’s practice. Be positive in your mind about practice. Get it wrong, and it can be a waste of energy. A dedicated guitarist will embrace practice when performed correctly; Practice will progressively make you a better player, and remember, playing a musical instrument is good for the brain.

Guitar lessons | Important considerations

As we have already said, learning to play the guitar ideally will follow a predefined structure tailor-made for you. However, we recommend considering what style or styles you would like to learn and then following a set practice routine to realize that goal. This is where a good guitar teacher helps immensely.

Some thoughts for consideration

The following are the recommendations we suggest you need to consider before choosing a guitar teacher, regardless of whether or not you choose to learn online or in person.

Guitar playing styles

Decide the style of playing you would like to learn; here are some examples of what we mean;

1. Rhythm guitar: commonly employed in a multiperson setting such as a duo or band.

2. Lead guitar: Lead is the main riff or melody line in many forms of music. Rock, Blues, Metal, and Jazz are typical examples. Again, as is the case with playing rhythm guitar, lead guitar is a component of a multiperson playing setting.

3. Fingerstyle: Many variations are commonly known as fingerstyle or fingerpicking. As the name implies, it is a playing style where the guitarist will employ some or all of the fingers and thumb with the playing hand—commonly used in various music genres.

You may wish to stick with just one playing style or perhaps more. It’s essential to think this through so that the guitar teacher can implement a learning plan for you. And sure, you can change your mind later; be sure to discuss your thoughts with your teacher. Spend some time chatting with your guitar teacher. It will be time and money well spent.

Practice

Think carefully about how much time you can devote to practice. Things can change, and practice times vary depending on your circumstances. Try to estimate the minimum time available to you. The more time you have to practice, the sooner you will improve.

Guitar teachers online vs. in-person

There is no shortage of online teachers with websites offering guitar tutorials. Many have a YouTube channel to demonstrate their abilities and often provide free tutorials.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. As we have already said, regardless of which method you choose, be clear in your mind about what you wish to achieve.

A high level of playing competency will take time. Be sure to discuss with your teacher what your longtime guitar-playing desires are.

For this tutorial, we have categorized guitar teachers into two types. In the same room, person-to-person, or online. Let’s consider the pros and cons for each category type.

Guitar teachers in person

• A reputable and experienced guitar teacher can offer formal learning and practice instruction that suits the guitar student’s preferred style requirements.
• Nothing beats the personalized attention of a dedicated and professional instructor. 
• Being in the same room allows the guitar teacher to observe the student at close quarters and various angles.
• The guitar teacher can confirm the student is performing any given task correctly, both aurally and visually.
• The guitar teacher can see and hear the students as they play.
• Issues such as string buzz and general playing dynamics are easy to assess when the teacher and student are in the same room.

Group learning

Group sessions have pros and cons also.

• Learning with others allows watching and learning from others in the group. 
• Meeting other players often leads to ongoing and enduring friendships with other guitar students.
• On average, one guitar teacher for a small group of students. Group learning is cheaper. 
• Becoming accustomed to playing guitars with one more guitarist has many advantages.
• It’s fun, and you learn the importance of timing—an essential skill regardless of playing as a duo or in a band setting.
• One guitar teacher for a group diminishes one-on-one time with the guitar tutor.

Guitar teachers | Considerations & questions you need to ask

IMPORTANT NOTE: A great guitar player does not necessarily mean a great teacher.

• They should have a good understanding of music theory and structure. 
•  Ideally, the teacher will be able to teach various playing styles.
• The teacher will have a passion for playing and teaching the guitar.
• Having a passion for something is often infectious and may motivate you as a student.
• Lots of patience.
• Be willing to listen to the student’s needs and formulate a teaching plan
• Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations.

Guitar teacher in-person pros and cons.

Pros

• The teacher can see and hear your play.
• The teacher can determine when you can progress or need more practice.

Cons

• Person-to-person learning might not suit your budget.
• Traveling to and from the teacher’s abode might deter your motivation.

• Your location may not have a qualified guitar teacher close to your home.

Online guitar tutorials

There are a gazillion online resources for learning the guitar online. Many are career guitar players who are excellent teachers and communicators. The nature of online lends itself to reviewing each one carefully. 

We believe learning to play the guitar with a teacher one-on-one in person is the optimum method to play guitar.

However, we do not wish to downplay the conveniences of learning with a teacher as a one-to-one online via video. There are numerous highly skilled and qualified guitar teachers to be found online.

Lastly, learning to play guitar via set courses should not be dismissed. The disadvantage of online guitar courses is the inability of the student to ask questions or the ability to demonstrate techniques when required. The upshot is you can follow the course at your convenience.

Online learning pros and cons.

Pros

• It is very convenient and allows you to choose your learning time. It can be cost-effective.
• Online learning allows you to choose when and where to participate in the tutorials.

Cons

• There may not be an opportunity to ask questions as they arise.
• The teacher may not see or hear you play (unless the session is live).

Guitar Teachers on YouTube

There are lots of great guitar teachers on YouTube, but here are a few of our favorites:

JustinGuitar

Justin Sandercoe is one of the most popular guitar teachers on YouTube, and for good reason. His lessons are clear, concise, and easy to follow. He also has a wide range of videos to choose from. The great thing about Justin’s website is that it is arranged so that beginners can follow the lessons logically. It’s not just for beginners tho, though even seasoned players can learn from Justin’s website. (we highly recommend this website.)

Marty Music

Marty Schwartz is a great and very experienced guitar teacher for beginners and intermediate players.

Guitar Lessons YouTube Marty Schwartz

Further to his website shown above, Marty has a wide range of videos on his YouTube channel, covering everything from basic guitar chords and strumming patterns to more advanced techniques like soloing and fingerpicking. Marty’s teaching style is very upbeat and engaging, and he makes learning to play guitar fun. (we highly recommend this website.)

Andy Guitar

Andy Crowley is a British guitar teacher who is known for his comprehensive and well-produced videos. He covers a wide range of guitar topics, from basic chords and strumming patterns to more advanced techniques like soloing and fingerpicking.

Paul Davids

Paul Davids is a Dutch guitar teacher known for his electric guitar expertise. He has a wide range of videos on everything from guitar gear to playing techniques. Paul also has a paid subscription service that offers access to exclusive content and lessons.(we highly recommend this website.)

Robert Renman

Robert Renman is a Swedish guitar teacher who is known for his passion for jazz and blues guitar. He has a wide range of videos on everything from jazz improvisation to blues guitar techniques. Robert also offers a paid subscription service that offers access to exclusive content and lessons.

Guitar Lessons for Adults

If you’re an adult interested in learning to play guitar, there are a few things to remember. First, it’s important to find a teacher who is experienced in teaching adults. Adult learners often have different needs and learning styles than younger students. Second, it’s important to be patient and persistent. Learning to play guitar takes time and practice. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s a rewarding experience. Go for it, and do not be deterred.

Here are a few tips for finding guitar lessons for adults

Ask your friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations.
Check with your local music store or community center to see if they offer guitar lessons.
Search online for guitar teachers in your area.
When choosing a guitar teacher, be sure to ask about their experience teaching adults and teaching methods. Be sure to ask about their rates and availability.

Guitar Lessons for Beginners

If you’re a beginner guitar player, there are a few things you should focus on. First, you need to learn the basic guitar chords and strumming patterns. Once you have a good foundation in the basics, you can start to learn more advanced techniques like soloing and fingerpicking.

Here are a few of our tips for learning to play guitar as a beginner:

Find a good guitar teacher. A good teacher can help you learn the basics of guitar playing and develop good habits.
Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at playing guitar.

Start with easy songs. Once you have mastered a few easy songs, you can start to learn more challenging songs.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning to play guitar. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.

Our final tip is not to give up. Learning to play the guitar is challenging. Don’t set your goals too high at first; remember an old cliche that applies here. Learn one step at a time and, most importantly, have fun.

Conclusion

We believe that live person-to-person is the ideal option to learn to play guitar in most cases. We assume that the teacher is an experienced and competent tutor for guitar. An online solution is perfect when a teacher cannot be in the same room. Regardless of which method you choose, be clear in your mind about your goals.

Enjoy your guitar journey with the millions of others who have been learning the guitar.

The truth is you will never stop learning.